Easty
This illustrates very neatly the difference between what we can do and what we should do.
I think your EC and insurers were generous (ok, make that community spirited) to pick up the tab for someone's misfortune.
But I'm sure the reality is they could have chased the poor sod for the full amount, regardless of whether he was insured or not (my thinking is that as soon as that pipe leaves the wall, it's the owners responsibility).
But like I said, in the cut and thrust of strata living, we should be able to do these things … just as we should allow ourselves to fix minor problems that aren't strictly speaking our responsibility but are just easier and less hassle to get on with and get done.
The one thing that irks me, though, is when professionals who should know better start quoting non-existent laws to avoid their responsibilities. Who are they actually helping when it might be better to say “Mate, do us a favour and deal with it yourself and we'll put you down for a few brownie points to your credit.”
We can but dream.